One Fish, Two Fish, Big Fish, Scary Fish

Right before the kids and I took off for Texas at the end of July, Rodney and I packed up the mini and made a day trip to the Tennessee Aquarium.  The kids had a great time, but I'm not sure if it was the huge fish or the toys at the gift shop or the amazing chicken strips at the food court that they loved best.  Maybe it's fair to say they loved it all.

As usual, Heidi Sage and Rex took full advantage of all the services provided to them.  Not gonna lie, I would have paid somebody a thousand bucks to push me around that place.  If I didn't exceed the weight limit on the stroller, I might have kicked HS out of her seat and had Rodney push me.

And while Heidi Sage enjoyed the ride from the car into the aquarium, it wasn't long before she was up and narrating the. entire. tour.  She told us about everything.  Big fishies.  Wittle fishies.  Scawee shawks.  And even pointed out about 3,248 of 3,400 butterflies in the butterfly room.

Clinton mostly just cared about the sharks.  Thanks to his Uncle Brian, Clinton has very strange love-hate feelings towards sharks.  He thinks they're too awesome, but at the same time they kill people...and that makes them mean.

Heidi Sage soaked it all in.  And while she has a larger than life personality, seeing her standing in this window looking at the "OH-shen" reminds me how little she still is.

And while sharks were Clinton's highlight, he was interested in everything.  As we got to each creature he wanted us to read some facts to him about the animal.  He needed to know what kind of animal it was, what it ate (specifically what kinds of other animals it killed), where it lived, and how big it would get.  I enjoy his curiosity and appreciate his need to know...but after a few hundred animals, I just need him to be an observer...not a researcher.  ;-)

Heidi Sage wasn't sure about everything.  Some things were strange enough she felt the need to return to her seat and instruct me to keep moving.

...but then again, some things (like penguins) took a good 30 minutes to view.

Clinton really wished this turtle hadn't died millions of years ago...he wanted to meet it.

But he, of course, found lots of other things to meet face to face (through the glass).

We also had to take a few pictures just of us...with no fish.  Here's me and my "big boy".  I'm no longer allowed to call him my baby.  He gets a bit irate over it.

And here's Rex who pretty much looked like this the whole time because he's not really one for crying, moaning, or complaining.  Just happy to be here.  Just happy we remembered to bring him...not like we forget him a lot....in fact it was only once...and I realized it just as I pulled out of the driveway...he was alone for maybe 30 seconds...but I digress.

I'm pretty sure that's not the smile I was referring to when I asked you to say "CHEEEEZE"...but I guess it's still adorable even if it is a hurry-the-hell-up look.

Heidi Sage with her Daddy.

 And who do you think had the cutest bum at the aquarium?  That would be Heidi Sage.

36 Weeks - Baby #3

So, Wednesday marked the 36 week point for me.  It's crazy to think that in less than a month....actually, sometime this month...Baby Williams #3 will make his debut.  Crazy.

I have not documented this pregnancy the way I did the previous one, and sure not the way I did the first one.  There just wasn't time for it.  And honestly, there were days we were so busy, I even forgot I was pregnant.

This pregnancy has been much easier than the other two.  The anemia was controlled from the beginning and my sciatica has been minimal to nonexistent.  I've had some circulation and swelling problems with one leg, including a varicose vein, but that was far easier to deal with than the problems I've had in the past.  I also have not had all the preterm labor I had with the other two.  No terbutalene.  No trips to the ER.  No nights crying because the pain just wouldn't go away.

The only thing that has been far worse is the exhaustion, but I think that has more to do with older two children than the actual pregnancy itself.

I went in for my appointment yesterday.  The doctor informed me I had already started dilating and was 50% effaced.  She didn't see me making it to Thanksgiving.  In fact, she just told me to be good so I could make it at least one more week.  Got to be careful with those baby boy lungs!

My mom is scheduled to come up Saturday after Thanksgiving, so I was hoping to make it until then...but I've come to terms with that not being likely.  What scares me is not having a scheduled induction as I did with the other two.  I have a history of quick deliveries...and they're said to be slower when induced with pitocin than if you were to naturally go into labor.

I labored for 5 hours with Heidi Sage and pushed once.  So, I'm a little anxious...I REALLY like my epidurals.  I'm worried if my water breaks, I won't have to time to get my kids situated and get to the hospital in time for an epidural...or even for the delivery!  :-/  So, keep me and the baby in your prayers...

Here's that baby belly everyone is so interested in.

Feeling like a ticking time bomb,

Cupcakes!

Occasionally....okay, often....okay, very often....we use baking as a "project" to help pass the time and make us feel as if we're having a productive day. We do more of it when I'm pregnant...because I have cravings...or weaknesses.

However, putting the house on the market has brought big messy projects to a bit of a standstill at the moment. So, when Clinton woke up from his nap the other day and realized I had made cupcakes for us to ice and sprinkle, he was beyond elated!

Heidi Sage has yet to care much for the helping part yet...unless it comes to helping "put it away". She loves her some cupcakes.

So, while we were in the middle of our little project, I went to set HS up at the table with her cupcake. I came back to help Clinton finish the icing. As we were wrapping that up, I looked over to discover HS had inhaled her cupcake and was GLEEful.

As I went to snap some pictures of her, someone took it upon themselves to decorate the cupcakes with sprinkles...ALL the sprinkles. (And don't judge me for that can of frosting. When keeping a house spotless for selling, it's imperative to take shortcuts such as these.)

And while I think I know who the sprinkle bandit was, I'm not really one for pointing fingers.

You can tell when they're done, which cupcake belongs to who...Heidi Sage has nothing left of hers, and Clinton only eats the top off of his. Once the icing is gone, he's done. But Heidi Sage can sniff out Clinton's left overs and has no qualms about taking them for herself.

Amazingly, there are still a few of these left...but seeing as I eat one in the morning with my coffee, and Rodney can only seem to eat them in pairs, they should be gone soon...and then we shall bake again.

SPRINKLES!! (Shout-out to all my fellow MHS cheearleaders!)

Bowling Fun

From time to time we meet Rodney's sister and her family at the bowling alley. Clinton is getting to an age where he loves it, and Heidi Sage is getting to an age where she just likes to run from one end of the bowling alley to the other.

So, while it is really fun and exciting with one child...it is quite exhausting with another. :-)

Even so...it was a fun time for everyone and I'm sure Clinton will be looking forward to our next visit...and HS will be looking forward to the pizza.

The two-pin queen,

Zoo Babies

One of the family adventures we had while Rodney was off of work was taking the kids to the zoo. We have a pass, but it's been so hot this summer, I have steered clear of this particular destination.

However, we had an overcast day that wasn't so bad....and since school has already started here, it wasn't crowded at all. In fact, the kids were able to get down and run around without getting lost in a crowd. They had a blast. They both particularly liked the aquarium with the snakes, fish and turtles...I too, loved this area as it was air conditioned!

Roooaaaarrrrrr,

They Can Sniff It Out

The newest pregnancy is proving to be much like the most recent pregnancy--which consists of severe nausea and extreme food aversions. It's almost like nursing a three month hangover. From what I've heard about hangovers, anyway.

Think back to your college days. And let's just say you went to a party with some friends. And let's just say you had a drink or two or twelve. And let's just say you woke up the next morning feeling like you had been run over 27 mack trucks. Let's just say.

I've heard the first thing you reach for is something greasy... Well, that's exactly what I've been reaching for lately. It's about the only thing that doesn't make feel like I'm about to hurl. And my go-to these days is Sonic. Mmmm...

So, we've been frequenting 3 of our local locations in order to get me feeling decent enough to finish the day. And my kids know as soon as the bag hits the window what's inside. They can smell it. Clinton starts yelling, "I want pa-pies! I want pa-pies!" (french fries) And Heidi Sage starts pointing and squawking at the bag....and I know what she wants are the tater tots. And of course all I want is my cheeseburger with mayo, no onions or pickles, and add jalapenos...and a cherry Sprite...but nobody cares how fast I need to get that into my mouth.

Even when I've tried tricking Clinton by getting and eating my food before I pick him up from school, he will get in the car, put his nose up in the air, start sniffing, and then say..."What dat smell? Mmm. Mells good!" "I don't know what that is, Clinton." "It's pa-pies! I want pa-pies!" Well, crap.

I just recently started letting Heidi Sage in on the tater tots from Sonic and waffle fries from Chick-fil-A, but she has quickly learned what they are and what they smell like. She never misses a serving.

These pictures are from one of our pit stops to Sonic while en route to Target. Clinton fell asleep so HS and I sat in the truck and ate our treats in the Target parking lot. Heidi Sage was not only excited about her treat, but that she wasn't having to share it....

Looking for a lost tot...

Conked out...

One happy camper...

Your Reigning Miss "#1 Combo w/Cheese" Queen,

The Beautiful Mrs. Bell

She was glowing. She was graceful. She was flawless. She was the "Bell" of the ball.

Well, actually, she was one of many "Bells" at the ball....but she was the newest Bell.

Last weekend my baby sister entered into Holy Matrimony with a one Mr. Brian Bell. We really like him, so it was a rather celebratory occasion.

Chelsea (and possibly Brian) did an amazing job with their wedding. It was, of course, pink and green. It was, of course, completely unique. And it was, of course, perfectly executed.

The kids and I were honored to serve in the wedding party. I as the Matron of Honor. Clinton as the Ring Bearer. And Heidi Sage as the Flower Girl.

We (and I probably mean mostly me) had been very excited about this trip for a very long time. So a week prior to the wedding, the kids and I jetted off to Texas. Can't you just see the excitement dripping off their faces??

We spent 5 days at Bebe and Hop's house working on wedding preparations. My main job....cake balls. 600 of them. You can read about the creation of those here...

The kids main job...to play...to play...to play...

On Wednesday we packed up two large trucks with tons and tons of wedding stuff, two kids, a double stroller, two car seats, and one teeny tiny bag per person, and set off towards Austin...the greatest city to ever grace the presence of this great country. Sigh.

While in Austin, we were able to partake in a number of fun activities. There was a day of visiting all my pals back at Tarrytown UMC. Even after five years of being absent, I walked in the door and felt as if I had never left. Such a special group of ladies. (And I'm a total loser and didn't take one picture while I was there. Ugh.)

We also had several wedding functions to attend. There was the rehearsal dinner at The Salt Lick. Heidi Sage stayed back at the hotel and kicked it with Amy, to which we are VERY grateful! There was the Bridal Tea for the girls...HS and I put on our best sundresses and hightailed it to the Driskal for cucumber sandwiches and the best scones on the planet... Thanks to the Matriarch of the Creech family (Peggy Rose) and her helpers Joy and Polly for hosting such a wonderful event for my sweet sister.

The beautiful bride with her two grandmothers. Grammy on the left and Peggy on the right...that's right, we call her by her first name. Rumor is I started this when I was a wee one, but I don't remember so it's hard for me to take credit for that...

The Bride with her darling flower girl...

The MOH (me) and the Flower Girl (my Heidi Sage)

At the Bridal Tea, we received one of the best surprises of all time. Seriously. You see, we have these VERY dear friends....The Voigts'. They live in Kentucky. They are like family...that you rarely get to see....because they live in Kentucky. And they had sent Chelsea a very sad note explaining why they couldn't be at the wedding. We were all a bit heartbroken, but understood. Natalie is another VERY dear friend. Who is like family. Who we were very excited about seeing at the wedding. She told us she was bringing her mother as her guest to the tea and wedding. She lied....and she works in the ministry....and yet, she still lied. However, we all forgave her as we each walked in to find Sheryl Voigts waiting on us at the tea. This was Natalie's surprise guest. Many tears were cried, BIG hugs were shared, and smiles were spread across our faces for the rest of the day. We were still sad to not see Julianne and the boys, but loved on Sheryl enough for all of them. Below is Mom, Sheryl, and Natalie...with those matching haircuts you can tell they do all belong together! :-)

After the tea we jetted off the to the wedding site to put everything together. Then I ran to get the kids and before we knew it, the wedding was ready to begin. You can find most of the wedding pictures on Chelsea's web site....but here's a few from the bridal room...

Chelsea and Brian--We had such a wonderful time and were so honored to be included on your special day. We are looking forward to many, MANY family functions together!!

The newest little sister to Mr. Bell,